Cannabis and multiple sclerosis

Pract Neurol. 2019 Aug;19(4):310-315. doi: 10.1136/practneurol-2018-002137. Epub 2019 Jun 14.

Abstract

Patients with multiple sclerosis have long turned to complementary therapies to manage symptoms that licensed products can only partially control. Around half of patients with multiple sclerosis admit to previous or current cannabis use for medicinal purposes and would endorse legalisation. Despite many governments worldwide relaxing regulations around medicinal cannabis, there remain many unanswered questions as to how clinicians should prescribe or recommend products, and access to pharmaceutical-grade products remains highly restricted. Here we address what adult neurologists need to know about cannabis and its use in multiple sclerosis.

Keywords: cannabis; multiple sclerosis; pain; spasticity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Cannabidiol / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Medical Marijuana / administration & dosage*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Medical Marijuana
  • Cannabidiol